Howard Dean in West Virginia

[Staph]

The Democratic Party Unity Event was held tonight in Charleston, West Virginia. For those of you who couldn't make it, here are the highlights (sorry my pictures didn't work out).

The event was held in the Pavilion of the Charleston Marriott. Great choice of venue -- the Pavilion is on the rooftop, and is literally a big tent. Several of the speakers mentioned the symbolism. There was a stage and 60 chairs at one end, with tables and chairs scattered throughout the room. I asked the greeters for a headcount at the end of the evening. They didn't have a formal count, but estimated 250 people. The capacity for the room in reception mode is 1000, so I'd guess that there were 300 to 400.

The host for the evening was WV Democratic Party Chairman Nick Casey. He introduced a lot of the local dignitaries and Democratic office holders from around the state. Representatives of Senator Rockefeller and Senator Byrd sent greetings. Casey was followed by Congressman Nick Rahall and Governor Joe Manchin. Governor Manchin was rather effective, "The difference between a handout and a helping hand is a turn of the wrist. We in West Virginia understand this."

Finally, Governor Dean was introduced. He spoke of how we can elect a Democratic president in 2008, not by slogans but expressing what we believe as Democrats. His list of Democratic beliefs:

1. Honesty and integrity
2. A strong national defense, depending on telling the truth to our soldiers, to the American people and to the world.
3. American jobs need to stay in America. Jobs that have gone to China aren't coming back. One new industry with great growth potential is energy independence. Imagine how many new jobs could be created for construction workers and electricians and plumbers, good union jobs to upgrade homes and businesses to be more energy efficient.
4. We need a healthcare system that works for everyone. Thirty-six nations have universal healthcare, countries like Canada, UK and Japan. General Motors moved one of their plants across the river from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, just so that they wouldn't have to negotiate healthcare benefits for the workers.
5. Balance the budget. Only one President in the last 40 years has done that, William Jefferson Clinton.
6. Education for all. We need local control of education , and funding for those who wish to continue their education.
7. Finally, politics is neighbor talking to neighbor, not just raising money. We need precinct captions in every precinct in every state. We Democrats tend to talk to peoples' heads instead of their hearts. We can win in West Virginia and even in Utah. Governor Dean's cousin is an Irish-Catholic Democrat in Utah -- a triple minority. He was just elected as mayor of Salt Lake County.

Moral values, family values, aren't about gay marriage and abortion. Moral values are about families and communities. A child that goes to bed hungry is immoral. Together, America can do better!

[hollowdweller]

1. Excellent review. I was on the first row.

I thought Dean gave a great speech.

When he talked about how the manufacturing jobs werent' coming back, but that the next big industry was alternative energy and energy conservation, it reminded me of when Al Gore was talking about the "information superhighway" (ie Internet) as the next big boost to the economy and how everyone laughed.

Also Gov Manchin moved up a few notches in my book. Rather than trying to put the spotlight on himself he gave a really oustanding and personal endorsement of Dean saying of all the prospects for chairman, that Dean had a plan and the best message. Although I know he is to the right of Dean on many issues I thought Manchin was an excellent and humble speaker and showed a tremendous amount of class.

I loved how Dean was pulling families up on the podium afterwards to have his picture taken with them, and once again even though I read mostly liberal stuff and watch PBS, it never ceases to amaze me how different the media spin on Dean, loose cannon and all stands in such contrast to what a great speaker he really is and what great ideas he puts forth.

I tooks some pics and I'm going to try to figure out how to post them tomorrow

[Catrina]

2. Thanks for the updates on Dean's visit

to WV ~ it sounds like it was very successful ~ glad he finally made it there ~ I'm sure they must have considered cancelling it after the tragedy in the mines.

Looking forward to seeing the pictures ~ I've never heard Dean in person, but always thought he was very effective when I heard him on television. He certainly has energy and dedication, and as the Gov. said, a plan which appears to be working and was long overdue.

Thanks again to both of you for letting us know how it went ~ :-)

[GrpCaptMandrake]

3. Sounds like the same thing I heard

Moving. Honest.

I think I've got a pretty good chance of getting Governor Dean on the show for a follow-up interview. I'll post when it happens.

B-T-W, did you happen to catch a glimpse of Don Blankenswine? God knows why, but he was slithering aroung the place. Ewwwwwwww! God, but I despise that cretin! I looked at him walking away and said in a stage whisper "Hey! Check it out! A snake with legs!"

[hollowdweller]

4. I didn't see Blankenship, but the folks I took the elev. down with did.

Speaking of Blankenship, and of course what he did to Warren Mc Graw, does anyone know where I can get a DVD of both "If Elected" and " The Last Campaign" documentaries?? I borrowed "If Elected" years ago from the Cultural Center library, but I have never seen but always wanted to see " The Last Campaign"

[wallybarron]

5. Sounds like

a good night in WV. I disagree with Manchin on most things, but he's a great speaker.

Who was Blankenship with?

I've been trying to find Wayne Ewing's videos also.